Sony a57 vs Sony NEX-3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a57 and Sony NEX-3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

Type of camera

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Sony a57 has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony NEX-3 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Sony a57 has a 14 % larger resolution than Sony NEX-3. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Sony a57 has a larger ISO-range than Sony NEX-3. Sony a57 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 16000 while Sony NEX-3 has 200 to 12800.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a57
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-3

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a57 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds and Sony NEX-3 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Sony a57 and Sony NEX-3 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Sony a57 weighs 618 gr (equal to 1.36 lb) which is 108% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).

Sony a57 vs Sony NEX-3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a57 and Sony NEX-3, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Name	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Manufacturer	Sony	Sony
Release Date and Price	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Release Year	2012	2010
Release Date	2012-03-13	2010-05-11
MSRP	699 USD	599 USD
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Camera Type	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Camera Type	SLT	Mirrorless
Sensor	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4912 x 3264 pixels	4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels	16 MP	14 MP
Image Processor	Bionz	Bionz
Image	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
ISO Range	100 - 16000	200 - 12800
White Balance Presets	9	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes (Sensor-Shift)	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	15	25
Lens Mount	Sony A See Compatible Lenses	Sony E See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated	Tilting
Screen size	3”	3”
Screen dots	921000	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	Xtra Fine TFT drive with TruBlack technology	TFT Xtra Fine LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Electronic	No Viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.04× (0.69× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Frames per second	12 fps	7 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	10 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	MPEG4 H.264 AVCHD	MPEG4
Video resolution	1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080	1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Memory Card	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	Yes Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control	Yes (Optional)	No
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Sony a57	Sony NEX-3
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Rechargeable NP-FM500H battery & charger	Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	550 shots	330 shots
Width	132 mm	117 mm
Height	98 mm	62 mm
Depth	81 mm	33 mm
Weight	618 gram	297 gram